Manuel Neuer Addresses Retirement Rumors for End of Season
Bayern Munich's goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has confirmed that he has no plans to retire at the end of the season, dismissing speculation about his future with the German club.
In a press conference ahead of Bayern's UEFA Champions League 2024-25 opener against Dinamo Zagreb, the team captain emphasized that he feels he's "playing very well" and if needed, he will discuss his future with the club once the season concludes, as his contract is set to expire at the end of the campaign.
Neuer also mentioned the team's strong desire to improve on last season and reach the final in Munich, echoing the ambitions of Bayern's fans. He stressed that the team needs to give their all from the very first match of the tournament.
"We have strong rivals. The most important thing is to have a good start. This has also helped us in the Bundesliga, and it will give us confidence. We don’t want to change that in the Champions League," Neuer said. Reflecting on their upcoming match against Dinamo Zagreb, Neuer noted that Bayern’s strong start in the Bundesliga is not just about winning but about how they win, a mindset they hope to carry into the Champions League opener.
"They have strong players who can cause us trouble. We'll need to play fast to create chances, and we must be cautious," he said about their opponents. The Bayern captain also spoke highly of their relationship with coach Vincent Kompany, praising his leadership and energy, particularly highlighting Bayern’s comeback against Wolfsburg as an example of Kompany’s influence.
Regarding teammate Leon Goretzka, who was left out of the last squad, Neuer admitted that his absence affects the team, as they value him both as a player and a person. He expressed confidence in Goretzka’s return, saying, "He’s always been a key player for us. He’s giving it his all in training, and I believe he’ll be back."